December Newsletter

This year we are taking a spin on our 12 Days of Christmas for our staff. Each staff member will have a stocking hanging outside their main classroom or office. Each day will be themed to bring the teachers a little holiday cheer! This will begin on December 9th and run through the 24th. The photo shows which themes will be used throughout the 12 Days of Christmas. If your family is interested in participating, all that is needed is a small gift for your child's/children's teacher/staff member. Feel free to place the item in their stocking on the corresponding day.

We are hosting a Parent Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, December 13th from 7:30 am to 10 am. We invite all families to stop by and get a sweet treat on their way to work.

A Huge Thank You!

As caregivers, we are constantly inspired by the love and dedication that each of you pours into your child’s life. The trust you place in us to care for your little ones is something we do not take for granted and are so grateful for the opportunity to be part of their growth and development. Your continued support and communication make all the difference in providing the best care possible, and we are thankful for your partnership. Thank you for the trust, kindness, and encouragement you show. Together, we’re shaping bright futures.

It's the most wonderful time of the year! In the spirit of the holidays, we would love to help some families have a magical Holiday! We have compiled a list for four children and disguised them as Angel 1, Angel 2, Angel 3, and Angel 4. Gifts should be new, wrapped, and marked with which Angel it is for. Please hand in the donations during morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up times. Donations are due by Wednesday, December 18th. An email with additional information will be sent out the first week of December.

Infants

At This Stage The focus this month is to be intentional about showing kindness. Babies must first know what it feels like to receive kindness before they will be able to demonstrate kind acts later in their development. Caregivers should focus on finding opportunities to deepen the individual bonds with children by meeting the children’s needs calmly and efficiently, and speaking to children often and in gentle, soothing tones.

Toddler/Twos

At This Stage At this stage it is important to instill the values of kindness and thoughtfulness in our children. Early preschoolers are still developing their communication skills and may demonstrate kindness in other ways. They may show kindness through their body language or other indirect actions such as giving a toy to a friend or sitting next to a friend who may be sad. At this stage children are becoming more aware of how others are feeling. This is evident in their increased effort and ability to share and take turns with others. It is important to foster situations where children can practice kindness, work cooperatively, and understand the needs of others.

Preschool

The goal this month is to help the children understand that demonstrating kindness toward others makes people feel happy and appreciated. They will understand that kindness can be shown to others through thoughtfulness, generosity, helpfulness, and politeness.

• Thoughtfulness: showing consideration for the needs of other people
• Generosity: giving or sharing what you have with others, including your time and attention
• Politeness: having or showing good manners or respect for other people
• Helpfulness: giving assistance when someone is in need

Ms. Amanda has been with Kiddie Academy of Phoenixville since November 2023. In that time she has mainly been in either infants or toddlers. She studied at Gwynedd Mercy University and is a mother herself.

Ms. Amanda is calm and nurturing. She balances Ms. Mandy perfectly. Ms. Amanda’s calming presence helps children feel comfortable exploring their learning environment. She builds the students confidence by being there when needed, but also letting them freely explore their surroundings.

Ms. Amanda, we are thankful for everything you do. Your patience is a genuine asset to any classroom you might be in. We enjoy having you on our team!

What You Should Know about RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

You’ve probably heard Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are rapidly increasing in Pennsylvania and nationwide. Levels of RSV are higher than usual for this time of year, so families need to know about RSV because some children can get very sick and need hospitalization.

RSV is a virus that usually causes common cold symptoms in most children and adults. Both children and adults can get it, but RSV is not available for vaccination. While it usually causes mild illness, it is essential to know that younger children are at much higher risk of severe complications requiring urgent treatment and, in some cases, hospitalization.

Factors increasing children’s risk for severe RSV infections include:

• 3 months of age or younger (due to difficulty clearing mucus from smaller airways)
• Being around other children in a school, childcare setting, or at home
• Living in crowded housing situations
• Exposure to secondhand smoke
• Children with a history of weakened immune systems, preterm birth, or heart or lung problems

Winter means keeping kids warm, but did you know that babies and young children in car seats should NOT wear puffy coats or snowsuits when in their car seat? A coat or snowsuit can compress under the harness of a car seat, sometimes up to four inches! This compression can cause the straps of your child's car seat to not fit properly, leaving a dangerous situation. Sleeping bags for babies can also add extra slack under the harness, creating an unsafe ride for your baby.

How should you keep your baby or young child in the car seat warm when it's cold?

Try these tips to keep your child warm and safe while in their car seat:

• Dress your baby or young child in snug layers, like onesies and leggings.
• Add long pants, a long sleeved shirt, a hat and shoes and socks. You can even include a jacket.

For babies:

• use covers specifically for car seats that are designed to give warmth. These covers should be approved by the car-seat manufacturer for your specific car seat.

For older babies, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners:

• After securing them in the car seat, turn their coat around and put it on backwards (arms through the armholes) so the coat is on top of the harness, or use a blanket in the car.

Make sure your child is in the safest car or booster seat as appropriate for their age, height and weight.

Sometimes you just need something special to remember the holidays by. Below is a link to over 100 handprint crafts you can do to help preserve their little yet growing hands and feet.